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Russia prepares to build its own helicopter carrier as France withholds Mistral warships
Russia is planning to construct a warship that is meant to replace the two Mistral-class helicopter carriers that France has refused to deliver because of Moscow’s military intervention in Ukraine.
Defense industry sources told the news agency RIA Novosti that production on the new “Wave” vessel could begin as soon as 2016.
The ship is said to come equipped with an “Armor-M” air defense system, and be capable of transporting up to 500 men and 40-60 pieces of heavy weaponry. The ship is designed to be 165 meters (541 feet) long and 25 meters (82 feet) wide.
Navy Commander Admiral Viktor Chirkov has said recently that Russia will revamp its entire fleet of assault ships by 2050.
“The ‘Wave’ amphibious assault ship, developed by the Nevskoe Design Bureau, can bear roughly 14 metric tons (more than 30,000 pounds), and carry as many as eight 'Ka-27' and 'Ka-52K' helicopters,” RIA Novosti reported.